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3 Bears on Thin Ice With Dennis Allen as Defensive Coordinator

The Chicago Bears' new defensive coordinator will have a huge impact on a few current players.

By Charlie Smith

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts to a play call against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts to a play call against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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3. Zacch Pickens, DT

Pickens likely would have been on thin ice to enter 2025 if you, the reader, were named Bears' defensive coordinator. Pickens was selected in the third round in 2019 and viewed as a somewhat raw prospect with a very high upside. In two seasons with the Bears, he has only tallied 39 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The Bears' run defense plummeted this season after losing Andrew Billings halfway through the season. Pickens saw more playing time after the Billings injury and frankly did not impress at all.

Ryan Poles and the third round of the NFL Draft are similar to a toddler fitting a square peg in a round hole. In three drafts, Poles has selected Velus Jones Jr., Zacch Pickens, and Kiran Amegadjie. It is safe to say none of these players have made an impact in the NFL to this point. Jones was cut by the Bears, Pickens has not done much of anything, and Amegadjie was injured when selected and struggled mightily in limited snaps this season.

Amegadjie is not likely on his way out as he is still very young and has not had a full season of health to develop. Pickens, however, has had two seasons with very little production. Dennis Allen will take a deep dive into the current roster, and Pickens may find himself on the way out. He was not brought in by Allen, and if he doesn't view him as an impact player, he can either find himself buried on the depth chart or cut entirely.

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